Thursday April 4, the Maine house voted  to ban restaurants, coffee shops and other businesses statewide from using foam food and beverage containers. The bill still needs to be enacted, but if it is, Maine will be one of the first states to prohibit these containers on a statewide scale. The bill passed with a 87-51 vote in favor but still needs votes in the Senate. Supporters for the bill say it will benefit the environment by limiting the amount of non biodegradable foam from ending up in lakes, rivers, and the ocean.

"There are multiple alternatives to petroleum-based polystyrene containers that are emerging on the market, some of which – including hemp- or wood-based products – could be grown or made in Maine." Says the bills sponsor, Rep. Stanley Zeigler, D-Montville according to CentralMaine.com

More From B98.5